Saturday, March 01, 2008

Truly Blessed

I think a lot of people can look at my life and see good things - some might point and say that I'm "lucky" for those. But a lot of people look and see bad things, tough times, challenges, struggles - the things that are my strokes of bad luck, maybe. But I see my luck differently.

I am lucky to have been hospitalized for depression at the very young age of 24, because I was able to face many issues that otherwise might have gone unchecked for years.

I am lucky to still be alive in spite of the depths of that depression.

I am lucky to have had 16 years with a sincerely loving father before I lost him to cancer.

I am lucky to have a mother I can talk to by phone whenever I want, even if I can't see her often.

I am lucky to have broken off my engagement amicably, before a wonderful man and I got stuck in an unhappy marriage.

I am lucky to have enough money in the bank to deal with car trouble or unemployment when they strike me suddenly.

I am lucky to look in the mirror and see five extra pounds, because it means that I am well fed and healthy.

I am lucky to be single during an intense period of self-discovery.

I am lucky to have friends in this great blogosphere who listen when I whine and complain about all the blessings in my life that I just don't notice.

That's the thing with luck - it's always there, if you just look for it.

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This post was written as a part of the March Blog Exchange. I wasn't able to connect with my partner, so I am posting this at my own site. If I'm able to get in touch with her later, hopefully I'll be hosting her here! For more information on the Blog Exchange, including how to participate next month, click here.

15 comments:

Hanlie said...

That's a very thoughtful post, Lara. Yes, we all have so much to be grateful for!

Anonymous said...

That's one hell of a way to look at things. Thank you for sharing that.

Mrs. Chili said...

This is a lovely post. We should all take time to be aware of our blessings, even if they don't seem like blessings at the time...

Heather said...

I wrote something very similar. Luck is definitely in the eye of the beholder.

Tandava said...

Well said. And we're all lucky to have you to remind us of things like this.

flutter said...

actually what it sounds like you have, is perspective.

Because luck is dumb, and you? Are not.

ALRO said...

If only others could have that outlook eh?!

I'm lucky to be sitting here blogging, while watching hockey with my bird nipping at my eyelid... aaaahhh.. bliss ;)

Have a nice weekend, Lara.

BetteJo said...

Your glass is always half full, nice!

brooke said...

I'm impressed that you're able to look at it that way. I have a hard time seeing the good side of bad things. :/

Mayberry said...

Love this; and I love flutter's response too.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. I think I might write one of these lists of my own soon; you've inspired me.

Amanda said...

We are lucky to know you.

Anonymous said...

I am thankful for you, for the times we spend together and when we talk on the phone. I'm thankful for your blogs like this that make me smile. I'm lucky that I get to see you soon. I love you!

Arwen said...

I posted this one my blog, sorry my travel plans got messed up. Did you get my email?

ANA said...

Keeping a gratitude journal can take away a lot of that regular i-want-a-hysterectomy-moping.
You are a strong person.